Feature story

Alumni Magazine | Spring 2022

Meet the StudentsSchool of Applied Technology

Hands-on quality education with career focus in a caring community has been Alfred State’s mission for years. Look at these students pursuing their dreams in a wide variety of majors at the School of Applied Technology in Wellsville.

This is Part 1 of a three-part series:

  • Part 2: Fall 2022 Edition
    School of Arts & Sciences
  • Part 3: Spring 2023 Edition
    School of Management, Architecture, and Engineering Technology

Benjamin RiveraAutomotive Services

Benjamin Rivera
Benjamin Rivera

“I have grown up working on cars with my father. I really like working on cars. Alfred State had wrestling and automotive; it was a good fit for me.”

Benjamin enjoys the learning experiences he has. “A lot of the program is hands-on. Less book work and more hands-on work. I enjoy taking things apart and putting them back together. Looking at them from the inside out. It is a lot of fun for me.”

Benjamin is active outside the classroom and the wrestling mat. He is a student ambassador, a resident assistant, and a member of the student athlete advisory committee.

Kelsey KellamHeavy Equipment Operations

Kelsey Kellam
Kelsey Kellam

“A lot of my classmates at BOCES came to Alfred. I got great feedback on their experiences here. I chose to come here because it was the most prestigious operating school in New York State.”

Kelsey loves the format of the education she is receiving and is excited about her career. “I like the minimal class time and all the hands-on learning experiences. I want to be in the 825 Operators Union and travel across New York State.

She enjoys the real-world projects that her class takes part in. One of her most memorable experiences is when her class repaired a local stream from stormwater damage.

I like the minimal class time and all the hands‑on learning experiences.Kelsey Kellam

Outside the classroom, she is a Pi Nu Epsilon sorority sister. “I have made multiple friends and have found my community. We've done a lot of community service. It really has made me find my family.”

Larry KnollAutobody

Larry Knoll
Larry Knoll

“When I retired from the military, I realized I had no core skill sets that applied to the civilian world. I chose to go into automotive trades. I had some property and products to work on. From there my passion grew in the automotive program.”

His journey started in the automotive technician program, has flowed into the autobody program, and he plans to attend the truck and diesel program with the goal of someday starting his own restoration shop.

“I like restoring old classic cars. I really take value in vintage and classic cars, especially muscle cars.”

His career in the military as a tactical air control partly took him all over the world (Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, Syria, much of Africa, Korea, and various assignments in Europe) but he feels he fits right in with his classmates in the automotive department. “It is the same team environment that I had in the military.”

Larry has had success in the classroom. He has earned Dean’s List every semester and won the Skills USA competition title. “Getting a skill set – it makes you feel productive in life.”

Haleigh MillsBaking Production and Management

Haleigh Mills
Haleigh Mills

“I like how Alfred is a small tight-knit community. Classes are smaller and you really get to know your peers.”

Her path towards her dream job started with a degree in interior design before moving into the baking production and management program. With her education, Haleigh is chasing her dream of owning a winery or a bed and breakfast with a venue.

“Before college I enjoyed baking in my free time. I didn’t know all the skills and techniques. This program has shown me a lot and has built my confidence. The chefs have provided me with a great learning experience. They made it possible to learn as much I could.”

Haleigh has loved her experiences with the chefs. “They are so positive. They are involved and are there to answer any questions. They helped me build my confidence and taught us all we need to know to fulfill our dreams.”

Thad GriersonBuilding Construction

Thad Grierson
Thad Grierson

“I chose Alfred State for their emphasis on hands-on learning. I have found that when I am working through what I am learning I comprehend better. I like that I am always on my feet and that I get to move around. I am an active person and like being outside. Every single day here I get to enjoy the outdoors.”

Thad did not enter his education experience with experience in the field. “On my first day, I walked up to a professor and told them I had zero experience. He told me not to worry that he would get me through. Today, I am a successful carpenter and have multiple opportunities to get into construction management positions.”

Thad has been part of many projects during his studies. He has framed roofs on different houses and has been part of the building of an industrial level barn for the town of Wellsville.

I chose Alfred State for their emphasis on hands-on learning. I have found that when I am working through what I am learning I comprehend better.Thad Grierson

On top of his studies, Thad is a member of the men’s soccer team at the college, a student ambassador for his academic program, and a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

Blig Blue Ox graphic

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